Discussion and Implications

---

The model (as tested in a health information search context) and subsequent analysis suggest that the use of the Internet has both long term cumulative effects as well as short term usage effects that influence how individuals feel about themselves, their overall well being, and how they interact with their health provider. The model also suggests that information-seeking behavior will impact traditional health care providers not affiliated with the websites from which the patient gets his or her information. But what are the implications of the effects of Internet based health information search for both health care providers as well as patients themselves? A brief discussion relative to these issues follows.

Long Term Effects

A robust finding of this study is that there is a clear link between an individual's health and his or her use of online health information. Less healthy individuals are more likely to explore different aspects of a site and use more health related interactive features, and, in doing so, improve their well-being. This implies that people benefit from having access to information that they can verify as well as being able to communicate with others with similar problems. Though support groups have existed for a long time, the Web fundamentally changes the space, time, and geography necessary for traditional help groups (Reeves, 2000). Virtual support group communities can be available to anyone at any time and at any place.

Short Term Effects

The analysis indicates that the intensity of individuals' search lead to an increased propensity to talk with their health care provider about the information. Healthcare professionals therefore need to be aware of where patients are looking for information. Two particular categories that these discussions will likely fall into are (1) false information obtained online and (2) information/resources of which the practitioner may not be aware. Both of these present new areas in which the practitioner must become an expert in understanding and uncovering. The need to verify or dispute information that a patient brings in from the Internet may affect future treatment regimens and have an impact on patient trust of the health care provider. Additionally, as patients search for information, they may come across information of which their provider is not aware. The presence of other treatments and resources that are available to patients can be a source of, at a minimum, embarrassment for the provider (Ferguson, 2002).

---